Abandoned e-bikes and e-scooters are littered across Herne Hill, causing havoc for the elderly and disabled, say locals.
Residents say the electric vehicles, which riders rent for a period before parking them, are being left in inconvenient places.
Herne Hill resident and retired local banker Andrew Malaki said: “They’re intrusive and get in the way of people I have a friend who finds them parked across her drive even though there’s a yellow line there!”
Twitter user Poppy said: “Why does nobody ever think of the impact these abandoned bikes and scooters have on older and disabled people trying to get past?”
Photos show the ‘Dott’ branded bikes, which people rent for £1 and charge an extra 17p per kilometre, appearing to block bike racks and take up large portions of pavement.
Poppy added that they are “a nightmare for people with walking sticks, crutches, wheelchairs and assistance dogs”.
Local resident Myra Sands claims she’d seen them left “in the middle of roads”. On Twitter, Clare H agreed saying: “Total clutter – being left in middle of street (sic).”
Dott bikes and scooters, which launched in London earlier this year, began in Hammersmith and Fulham but have since expanded to other boroughs.
They have designated parking bays where riders can begin and end their journeys. According to Dott’s website, riders are required to photograph the vehicle once parked. If they leave it in an unapproved area, they can be charged a relocation fee of up to €300.
On Twitter, some people supported the bikes, as long as they are properly stored. One user said: “A good thing if there are allocated spaces to park them.”
Another said: “They mean I don’t need a taxi/uber since I don’t own a car. Needs people to park them sensibly of course which is currently hit & miss.”
A spokesperson for Dott said: “Journeys on our e-bikes can only be finished in a designated parking spot, to help ensure our vehicles are well integrated into the areas we operate, without causing issues for pedestrians and other road users.
“We are always open to feedback on the locations of these parking spots, and collaborate closely with the authorities and communities where we operate to ensure our service remains useful for those that use it, whilst respecting other residents.”
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